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Joan Baez on Music and Politics

Baez was leading figure in the heyday of the Greenwich Village folk scene. She has continued to use her music in the service of various political causes, including a number of human rights organizations. In 1987, she published an autobiography called "And a Voice to Sing with: A Memoir." Most recently, Baez has performed at the Amnesty International's "Conspiracy of Hope" and "Human Rights Now!" concerts, and has been involved in human rights work for Bosnia. Her latest album is called "Play Me Backwards."

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Other segments from the episode on August 12, 1994

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, August 12, 1994: Interview with Joan Baez; Interview with Levon Helm; Interview with David Crosby and Graham Nash; Review of the film "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen…
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Levon Helm of The Band

The drummer and lead vocalist's Arkansas roots gave the Canadian group an American folk sound. In the 1960's The Band got it's start backing Bob Dylan. They went on their own in 1968 with "Music From Big Pink." The Band's most recent album is called "Jericho." They're playing Woodstock this weekend, and will then continue to tour.

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As a teenager at the beginning of her folk career, Joan Baez played mostly sad, traditional songs. She later became an icon to teenage girls in the 1960s, played with Bob Dylan, and pursued political activism.

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